Florida Woman Files Maritime Lawsuit After Alleged Sexual Assault by Yacht Captain Aboard Gerry’s Ferry
A Florida woman, identified in court records as J.B. and filing under the pseudonym “Jane Doe,” has brought a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against several parties associated with the luxury yacht Gerry’s Ferry, including its captain and owners. The complaint, filed on September 3, 2025, under Case No. 0:25-cv-61776-MD, alleges that she was sexually assaulted and/or raped aboard the vessel on June 30, 2025, by the yacht’s captain, David Gore.
Yacht Crew Member Alleges Sexual Assault by Captain While Working Aboard Gerry’s Ferry in Florida Waters
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff was employed as a First Mate aboard Gerry’s Ferry, a 126-foot Ferretti Custom Line vessel homeported in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. While serving in this role under the employment of Accent Stripe Inc. and owner Gerald Buchheit, the plaintiff alleges that Captain David Gore entered her sleeping quarters under the pretense of a safety check and then proceeded to get into her bed naked and sexually assault her. The plaintiff contends she never consented to any sexual activity and awoke the next morning experiencing physical pain and trauma.
The complaint states that Gore later admitted to the encounter. Following her report to Buchheit on July 13, 2025, the plaintiff was allegedly terminated from her position the next day without cause. The incident occurred while the vessel was operating in navigable Florida waters, and the lawsuit invokes jurisdiction under the Jones Act and general maritime law.
Lawsuit Claims Yacht Owner and Operator Retained Captain Despite Prior Sexual Assault Allegation and Known Alcohol Abuse
A critical element of the plaintiff’s claims centers on the vessel operator’s alleged knowledge of Captain Gore’s history of misconduct. The lawsuit asserts that in April 2024, Gore attempted to sexually assault another female crew member aboard Gerry’s Ferry. That incident was reportedly brought to the attention of Buchheit and/or Accent Stripe Inc., yet Gore continued to be employed as captain.
Additionally, the complaint alleges that Gore was known to habitually abuse alcohol, including at a December 2024 holiday party where he allegedly became severely intoxicated and made sexually inappropriate comments toward staff. Despite this known behavior, defendants allegedly failed to implement safety measures, discipline the captain, or provide any form of warning to the plaintiff.
Plaintiff Alleges Vessel Was Unseaworthy and Unsafe Due to Captain’s Conduct and Management Failures
The lawsuit brings multiple counts, including unseaworthiness under general maritime law. The plaintiff contends that Gerry’s Ferry was unfit for its intended purpose because it lacked a competent and safe crew. The complaint claims the vessel’s captain posed a foreseeable threat to fellow crew members, making the vessel unseaworthy by legal standards. The plaintiff also alleges that the yacht lacked adequate crew training on sexual misconduct prevention and failed to provide her with secure sleeping accommodations.
Furthermore, the suit states that the plaintiff was not warned of the risks associated with working under Captain Gore, despite the defendants’ alleged awareness of his history. The lawsuit argues this failure created a dangerous working environment aboard the vessel.
Florida Jones Act Seaman Seeks Damages for Emotional and Physical Injuries After Assault and Retaliatory Firing
As a Jones Act seaman, the plaintiff is seeking damages for negligence, unseaworthiness, failure to provide maintenance and cure, and failure to treat. She claims that the sexual assault left her with both physical and psychological injuries, and that her termination following the report deprived her of medical care, wages, and fringe benefits such as lodging, meals, and return travel.
The lawsuit also demands foreclosure of a maritime lien against Gerry’s Ferry in rem, seeking to hold the vessel itself liable for the alleged tort. The plaintiff is asking for over $5 million in damages, including attorney’s fees, medical expenses, lost earnings, and compensation for emotional distress. She further alleges that the defendants’ refusal to provide treatment or maintenance and cure aggravated her injuries.
Yacht Crew Members Who Experience Assault or Unsafe Conditions May Have Legal Recourse Under Maritime Law
Maritime employees working aboard private vessels, including luxury yachts and superyachts, are entitled to workplace protections under the Jones Act and general maritime law. When owners and operators fail to address known risks or retain unfit crewmembers, they may be held accountable for resulting harm.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, harassment, or unsafe working conditions aboard a private yacht or commercial vessel, contact our team of maritime injury attorneys. We help seafarers understand their rights under maritime law and pursue justice after traumatic incidents at sea.
Contact us now to speak with an experienced maritime sexual assault attorney.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.
